Acidifiers can be in organic or inorganic acids or associated salts and added to the poultry feed to exert their antimicrobial action both in the feed and in the GI-tract. Organic acids have been identified as best alternative to antibiotic growth promoters by optimizing the pH of gut, increasing the digestibility of the several minerals and thus increase the economic performance of poultry.
Common indications of a sick chicken include: hiding, inactivity, pale comb or wattles, unusual droppings, unusual posture, lethargy, lack of appetite and reduced egg production- all indications that closer observation is needed.
Most common signs of illness in chickens
Not eating well: going off feed is a tell-tale sign of illness in animals.
Bubbly or watery eyes or nose.
Rasping when breathing.
Sneezing or coughing.
Swelling around the eyes.
A strange odor to the bird(s)
Swelling of the comb and/or wattles.
Diseases of Poultry
Colibacillosis (Coliform infections) Problems attributed to coliform infections are often caused by strains of the Escherichia coli organism.
Mycoplasmosis (CRD, Air sac, Sinusitis)
Fowl Cholera.
Necrotic Enteritis.
Ulcerative Enteritis (Quail disease)
Pullorum Disease.
Fowl Typhoid.
Botulism.
Signs and symptoms of coccidiosis in chickens-
Avian intestinal coccidiosis is a common protozoal gastrointestinal (GI) disease that primarily affects young chickens. Clinical signs include mucus-like or bloody diarrhea, dehydration, anemia, listlessness, ruffled feathers, stunted growth, and death.
What can you do for a sick chicken?
Provide plenty of food and water. Give treats if she won't eat her regular food - eating anything is better than nothing. Add minced garlic to food, and apple cider vinegar to water (1 teaspoon per liter) to boost her immune system. Give a teaspoon of yoghurt for some added probiotics.
